Background
The Ministry of Health conducted supervisory visits to Kampong Speu and Svay Rieng provinces on 4–5 August 2026 to review an HPV self-sampling cervical cancer screening pilot targeting women aged 30–49. The visits combined program oversight with checks on service delivery elements including community counselling, sample collection by women themselves, sample handling, and referral arrangements.
Program staff recorded screening data in the electronic medical record (EMR) system during implementation checks, and teams inspected procedures for secure sample transport and technical quality control. The screening activity is implemented at health centre and district levels with trained staff who provide counselling, supervise self-collection, register results, and arrange follow-up care for women with positive findings.
Key Developments
State Secretary Oum Sithikary led the Ministry of Health team accompanied by technical directors and provincial health directors during the oversight visits; a World Bank representative also participated. The team visited service delivery points in several villages of Kampong Speu and Svay Rieng where health centre and district staff had begun using HPV self-sampling for women aged 30–49.
Inspection activities documented on-site included patient counselling, observation of self-sampling technique, sample management, EMR data entry, and assessment of referral and treatment pathways for screen-positive women. Health staff who operate the screening services received technical training from national trainers prior to implementation.
Operational Implications
The supervision emphasized strengthening community outreach and client mobilisation to increase screening uptake among the target age group, alongside timely follow-up and referral for women with positive HPV results. Maintaining quality and safety in sample handling and a functioning EMR entry process are operational priorities identified during the visits for reliable monitoring and patient management.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Health provides technical leadership and provincial health departments coordinate local implementation through district health authorities and health centre staff. Development partners and local volunteers are engaged in community mobilisation and support tasks under the supervision of health authorities.
